Gospel: John 11: 45-56
Jesus spends his entire life in service to others, in extending the mercy and love of God to all people. He does this through acts of healing, freeing people from the demons that oppress them, and in nourishing others at table. Every act Jesus performs is to restore life and enable it to flourish. This ministry finds its fullest expression in the raising of Lazarus from the dead, an act for which the religious authorities now want to put him to death.
We might well wonder why until we consider the following. When religion is about the ongoing maintenance of buildings, the perpetuation of religious rituals, and the endowment of comfort on its leaders, the actual healing and care of others will be seen as a threat. What if people actually give their money to help the sick, the poor, the hungry, and those in need? What if they stopped giving and supporting the established religious institutions that are not about these things?
We have a choice in deciding what religion is going to be like. Will it be an institution of power and privilege, or will it be an instrument of healing, liberation, and nourishment that raises up life for people in this world? This week is election week. On the ballot is Barabbas and Jesus. Whom will we choose?
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